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24-Month STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial

Application Process: Part 1

 

1. Thoroughly review the information contained in the extension tutorial. Wichita State employees - see this guidance for form completion.

2. Have your employer review and complete the 24-month STEM OPT Employer Memorandum of Understanding

3. Coordinating with your employer, complete the  Training Plan for STEM OPT Students using the information below or view the printer-friendly version

Section 1: Student Information (Completed by Student)

Please note the following instructions should be followed if you are applying for the STEM OPT Extension based on the same degree for which you were granted your initial OPT authorization.  If you are applying for the extension based on a previously earned STEM degree, please contact iss@wichita.edu to discuss completion of this section of the Form I-983.

  • Student Name: Type your surname first followed by your given name, including a comma between the surname and given name(s).
  • Student Email Address: Enter your @shockers.wichita.edu email address
  • Name of School Recommending STEM OPT: 红领巾瓜报
  • Name of School Where STEM Degree Was Earned: 红领巾瓜报
  • SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT : KAN214F00668000
  • Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information : Carrie Henderson, iss@wichita.edu, 316-978-3232
  • Student SEVIS ID No. : Number found in top left corner of current I-20, beginning with 'N'
  • STEM OPT Requested Period (mm-dd-yyyy):  The 鈥淔rom鈥 date will be the day immediately following your current OPT expiration date.  The 鈥淭o鈥 date will be the date two years later (minus one day).  For example, if your current OPT end date is 06/05/2023, your 鈥淔rom鈥 date will be 06/06/2023 and your 鈥淭o鈥 date will be 06/05/2025. 
  • Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code:  These are listed on page one of your Form I-20 under the heading MAJOR 1.  Note: the qualifying major name may differ from the degree title awarded by WSU.
  • Level/Type of Qualifying Degree:  e.g. Master of Science or Bachelor of Science
  • Date Awarded: Regardless of the term your coursework was completed, this will be the "degree award" date listed on your transcript. This is not the date of the commencement ceremony. Master's and PhD student who have not yet graduated and are applying based on coursework completion should contact iss@wichita.edu about answering this question.
  • Based on Prior Degree:  No  (unless you are applying based on a degree earned prior to the degree for which you were granted your current period of OPT).
  • Employment Authorization Number:  This is the 鈥淯SCIS#鈥 on your current EAD (OPT card).  It is nine digits in this format XXX-XXX-XXX.
Section 2: Student Certification

Sign your name, print your name, and enter the date.

Note on Acceptable Signatures: Students and employers may physically sign the Form I-983 or input
their own electronic signature. SEVP accepts electronic signatures in the following formats:

  • Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign
    all signature fields on the Form I-983 using electronic signatures produced with software
    programs or applications.
  • Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature
    fields on the Form I-983 using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced
    copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature.
Section 3: Employer Information (Completed by Employer)

Your employer should complete this section.  Every field must be completed. Please note the following:

  • Employer ID Number (EIN): The EIN must be a nine digit number.
  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: The NAICS code should be six digits.
  • Start Date of Employment (mm-dd-yyyy): For a student on 12-month OPT requesting a STEM OPT extension, the start date will typically be the day after your current 12-month OPT ends. For a student who already has STEM OPT approval, the start date should be your first day of employment with this employer.
Section 4: Employer Certification

The employer official should complete this section.

Note on Acceptable Signatures: Students and employers may physically sign the Form I-983 or input
their own electronic signature. SEVP accepts electronic signatures in the following formats:

  • Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign
    all signature fields on the Form I-983 using electronic signatures produced with software
    programs or applications.
  • Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature
    fields on the Form I-983 using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced
    copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature.
Section 5: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students (Completed by Student and Employer)

You and your employer should complete this section together. Please note the following:

  • Site Name/Site Address: These fields should reflect the physical location where you perform your daily duties. This may or may not be the same as the information listed in Section 3.
  • Name of Official: This should be the employer official who will be directly involved in oversight and supervision of this training plan. This may or may not be the same person signing in Section 4 and/or Section 6.
  • Student Role: In this two-part question, you must describe your role with the company and how that role is enhancing the knowledge you obtained through your STEM degree
  • Goals and Objectives: Describe your goals and objectives and how you will achieve them.
  • Employer Oversight: Describe the methods of oversight and supervision provided by your employer.
  • Measures and Assessments: Explain how your employer will measure and confirm that you are acquiring new knowledge and skills.

If you will be attaching additional pages to answer any of the questions above, be sure to enter 鈥淪ee attached鈥 on the Form I-983 and make sure that each page of the attachment contains your name, the date, and the signature, printed name, and title of the Employer Official from Section 6.

Section 6: Employer Official Certification

The employer official should complete this section.

Note on Acceptable Signatures: Students and employers may physically sign the Form I-983 or input
their own electronic signature. SEVP accepts electronic signatures in the following formats:

  • Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign
    all signature fields on the Form I-983 using electronic signatures produced with software
    programs or applications.
  • Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature
    fields on the Form I-983 using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced
    copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature.
Evaluation on Student Progress

You should not complete this section when applying for the STEM OPT extension.  This section should only be completed at 12 months into the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Final Evaluation on Student Progress

You should not complete this section when applying for the STEM OPT extension.  This section should only be completed at the end of your STEM OPT authorization period OR at the end of any employment during your STEM OPT authorization period.

4. Review and complete the 24-month STEM OPT Student Memorandum of Understanding. Please include a description of the relationship between your employment and your degree when completing the form. This form will also allow you to attached the Employer Memorandum of Understanding and Form I-983 mentioned above.

5. Upon receipt, the International Student Advisor will review the documents. As long as they are acceptable and you are determined to meet the eligibility requirements, the advisor will create a new I-20 with 24-month STEM OPT extension requested and email you the new I-20.

6. Upon receiving the new I-20, be sure to print the document and sign it on page 1 in the box marked "Student Attestation.鈥 You will keep the original I-20 for your records and submit a copy to the USCIS service center along with your other extension application materials.

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